About the Bike Tour

From the sparkling Bay of Biscay we cycle south into the magical Picos de Europa, a breathtaking geological explosion of high snow-covered jagged peaks and deep narrow gorges carved by icy rivers full of salmon and trout.

The whole range is tiny by mountain standards - only 312 square miles - but of such awesome beauty that they almost defy accurate description. Most of your cycling will be through the stunning gorges that dissect the Picos. While fairly easy riding throughout, there will be only one long climb of 25km. On both of your layover days you can take advantage of the superb hiking trails - including the World Class Cares Gorge to enjoy the Picos from another perspective - your feet!

It was in the Picos de Europa that the remains of ancient man have been discovered in many of its caves - Altamira,of course, being the most famous. Thousands of years later, the Romans invaded and left their inevitable roads and bridges. Most importantly though for most Spaniards, during the 8thC Christian Spain began its reconquest from the Moors under the leadership of the Visigoth king, Pelayo. It's no wonder then that the region remains one steeped in legends and miracles.

Day to Day

​Day 1 - San Vicente de la Barquera

Enjoy an afternoon sightseeing and sampling some of the famed seafood serving the freshest catch! ​

​Day 2 - San Vicente to Potes58 km / 36 mi

Gentle ride along the beautiful Bay of Biscay before heading into the Picos and our first gorge.

Day 3 Potes - Fuente De - Potes 47 km / 29 mi

A loop ride up to the source of the Rio Deva in Fuente De, followed by a terrifying cable car up 960mts to one of the highest points in the Picos.

Day 4 - Potes to Riano57 km / 35 mi

A bracing climb to the famous San Glorio pass and an exhilarating downhill to the eerie town of Riano.

Day 5 - Riano to Cangas de Onis 69 km / 43 mi

Our favourite ride! A short up hill and then downhill all the way through the most beautiful gorge in Europe.

Day 6 - Hike Cares Gorge 12 km / 7 mi

A day off the bikes to experience one of the top hikes in the world, along the Cares river.

Day 7 - Cangas de Onis to Alles48 km / 30 mi

A brief stop at Covadonga and we continue riding east along several rivers to the little town of Alles.

Day 8 - Alles to San Vicente42 km / 26 mi

Leaving the magical Picos behind it's a short bucolic ride today back to San Vicente de la Barquera. ​

Where You Stay

Comfortable accommodations with private, en suite bathrooms, ranging from converted convents, mountain lodges & sea front escapes - all chosen for the 3 C’s; comfort, charm and convenience to sights. All the photos are of the actual hotels we use.

Optional Extras

Single Supplement €360 p/pExtra cost for having a single room to yourself.

Private Airport TransferSantander to San Vicente and back - price on request.

Quality Assured

Cycling Rentals were a dream to deal with from start to finish. Very helpful by email in setting up the booking, I arrived for my holiday with the bike ready to go, a quick twist of the handlebars and fitting of my pedals and I was off. Very recommended, and I've got some great memories of cycling in this region now. Robert W, UK